Microarray Subarray Leak Detection via Dissolved Molecules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microarray chip technologies lack a reliable method to detect, quantify, and evaluate leaks between subarrays, leading to cross-contamination and invalid results.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a perimeter sealing structure with an imperfect fluid seal and using dissolved leak detection molecules (DLDMs) that hybridize with anchored leak detection molecules (ALDMs) to detect leaks between subarrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a single barrier (gasket) is used to separate adjacent subarrays, then subarray density is increased, but leak risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into multiple independent sealing layers (first seal layer between subarrays, second seal layer between subarray and perimeter) rather than using a single barrier. This segmentation allows each layer to independently prevent leaks, maintaining high subarray density while improving reliability through redundant sealing mechanisms.
2Reliability
If interstitial void space is used between adjacent subarrays, then leak resistance is improved, but subarray density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Thin film seal layers are used to create fluid-tight barriers between subarrays without requiring significant interstitial void space. The first and second seal layers act as flexible membranes that prevent leakage while allowing subarrays to be packed densely, resolving the contradiction between leak resistance and subarray density.
3Device complexity
If no leak detection methodology is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of leak detection is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
A fluorescent intermediary substance is introduced as a leak indicator. When this substance leaks from one subarray to another through a defect in the sealing structure, it provides a detectable fluorescent signal. This intermediary enables precise leak detection without requiring complex detection systems, as the leak itself carries the detection signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The leak detection methodology utilizes fluorescent emission (optical property change) to detect leaks. The fluorescent substance emits light when exposed to certain wavelengths, creating a visible signal that indicates the presence and location of leaks, thereby enabling precise measurement without complex electronic or mechanical detection systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables direct detection of leaks by identifying DLDMs in adjacent subarrays, allowing for the identification of leak sources and quantification of leak magnitude, thereby preventing cross-contamination and improving result validity.
Implementation Method 1
using dissolved leak detection molecules (DLDMs) that hybridize with anchored leak detection molecules (ALDMs) to detect leaks between subarrays
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of detecting a leak from a subarray of a microarray chip are disclosed herein. The methods include positioning, within the subarray, a sample solution that includes dissolved sample molecules (DSMs) that define a dissolved sample oligonucleotide sequence and dissolved leak detection molecules (DLDMs) that define a predetermined dissolved leak detection oligonucleotide sequence. The methods also include leaking the sample solution from the subarray to an adjacent subarray and detecting the leak by detecting the DLDMs within the adjacent subarray.